Hoeness addresses Kovac's Bayern future

With pressure mounting on the boss’ shoulders after a run of adverse results, he has received the backing of the Bayern supremo

Struggling Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac has received a vote of confidence from CEO Uli Hoeness, who has vowed to stick with the boss “no matter what”. Kovac is a favourite at Allianz Arena having starred in defence with the club as a player. He has found life on the bench rather more difficult, however, starting Bayern’s latest title defence with two defeats in seven while also being held by Ajax at home in the Champions League. The Bavarians find themselves in uncharted territory in the Bundesliga, lying in sixth place after a winless run that has heaped pressure onto Kovac’s shoulders. Hoeness, however, assures that his job is safe going into the international break. “I clearly stand behind him. No matter what’ll happen in the coming weeks”, Hoeness said in an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung. Hoeness’ remarks come one day after a 3-0 home thrashing to Borussia Monchengladbach. Following that game, Kovac admitted he could not foresee how long he would remain at the club. “I can’t answer the question,” he told a news conference when asked about his future. “I know the way things work in football and the Bundesliga. I do think we put together great performances in seven games, and now we’re not doing that. “I know that I am at Bayern Munich and the time you get is different to other places. We already showed what we’re capable of and I am convinced we will show it again soon. I’ll do my part to make it happen.”

The latest chapter of Kovac’s uncertain spell at Bayern came courtesy of a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Borussia Monchengladbach. The loss leaves the reigning Bundesliga champions four points behind early leaders Borussia Dortmund and extended their winless run in the league to three games. Kovac believes Bayern’s failure is down to a lack of team unity, which he will hope to amend in time for the resumption of the season after the international break.

“I think everyone tried, but right now we’re not trying as a team, you have to act as a unit,” the former Croatia boss told Sky Sport. “At the moment, we are making too many individual mistakes, which brings a certain amount of uncertainty to the team. Sometimes you have good times and you have bad times. “I’m responsible for it and I’m up to the task, we have to improve as soon as possible.”